Dive Safely!, an HIV prevention programme to raise awareness during the upcoming aquatic World Championships, was launched in Tatarstan, Russian Federation. Representatives of the Directorate of Sports Projects, the Ministry of Health of Tatarstan, the nongovernmental organization New Century and the UNAIDS Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia signed the agreement on 14 April in Kazan, capital of Tatarstan.

The project will encourage young people to be tested for HIV during the global sporting event, which will unite 2000 athletes from over 180 countries in six aquatic disciplines. Organized by the Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA) and hosted by the city of Kazan, the World Championships will be held from 24 July to 9 August.

Key components of the Dive Safely! programme include training sessions and workshops on HIV prevention for volunteers and staff of the Championships, a media campaign featuring sports celebrities and public figures and access to confidential rapid HIV testing and counselling at sport venues.

Vinay P. Saldanha, UNAIDS Regional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, met with the Prime Minister of Tatarstan, Ildar Khalikov, to discuss collaboration on HIV prevention during the World Championships. In addition, they exchanged views on strategic opportunities for domestic manufacturing of high-quality, low-cost antiretroviral medicines in Tatarstan, which is important to close the gap in access to HIV treatment in the region.

In 2013, there were 1.1 million people living with HIV in eastern Europe and central Asia and the number of new HIV infections was estimated at 110 000.